Yoga, a moving philosophy

Calming the nervous system, relaxing body and mind and harmonizing
emotional states are the three fundamental conditions needed to help
prevent and relieve allergic reactions. Yoga helps us to attain these
three objectives through the practice of certain postures or
asanas.

+ The practice of yoga exercises (in
Sanskrit)
means practicing your body, spirit and your mind together. With yoga
postures or
asanas,
the complete breathing and relaxation techniques of this ancient art
becomes a powerful defense against allergies. The following
asanas
are recommended for allergic reactions.

THE FISH

This posture is highly beneficial for your body: it regulates thyroid and
pineal gland functions and helps expand the ribcage fully, which is why
its recommended for cases of asthma, sinus troubles and hay fever. It also
relieves the stiffness of your neck and shoulder muscles and stretches
your abdominals.

1.
Sit on your heels, with your back straight, looking forward and with
your hands on your thighs.

2.
Breathing freely, bring your head all the way back, as you arch your
spine. Rest your weight on your elbows and the palms of your hands.

3.
Drop your head back so that the top of your head is on the floor. You
should feel how your vertebrae press together and the area around your
throat opens. When you are firmly placed in this position, bring your
hands to your chest and place the palms of your hands together. Stay in
this position for as long as you find comfortable. To come out of the
pose, place your elbows on the floor, inhale, bring your chin to your
chest and roll onto your side while you exhale.

LYING DOWN SPINAL TWIST

Other than stretching the legs and toning the spinal nerves, performing
this pose also expands the ribcage fully, increases your lung capacity and
aids in deep breathing when you have allergic attacks.

1.
Lie on your back, your body straight, your legs stretched and your arms
at your sides. Lift up your right leg and bring it to your chest,
supporting it with your hands on your knee. Keep your leg like thiss for
a few seconds and then repeat with your left leg.

2.
Return to the initial position. Extend your left arm out at shoulder
height. Inhale, and as you exhale bend your right leg and cross it over
your stretched out left leg. Try to avoid lifting your right shoulder up
from the floor. Stay in this position for a few minutes, while you
concentrate on your breathing. Release and repeat on the other side.

THE CANDLE

This posture is recommended to help treat problems with asthma and
bronchitis. It regulates the function of the thyroid glands and improves
overall blood circulation.

1.
From a lying position, with your arms extended next to your body, inhale
and lift your legs until they form a 90 degree angle. Exhale, and when
you inhale again lift up your hips and back, bringing your legs over
your head.

3.
Bring your right leg up, with your toes pointed to the ceiling and
remain in this position as long as you can. Next, slowly lower your
torso, bending your legs and placing each segment of your backbone
against the floor.

PAY ATTENTION TO BREATHING

Achieving conscious breathing is one of the fundamental requisites of
yoga technique. Without proper breathing you can't relax or
concentrate, the conditions needed for practicing yoga poses.

THE PLOW

This pose helps to keep your back loose, to avoid spinal tension and
stretch the sciatic nerve. Practicing this pose also improves blood
circulation and fortifies the immune system; this is why it's
recommended for allergic patients.

1.
Begin the position lying on your back, with your legs together, arms
down by your sides next to your body and palm of your hands pressed to
the floor. Bring your chin toward your chest and press your back muscles
to the floor. Inhale through your nose and exhale while you lift up both
legs, until they are at a 90 degree angle with your torso. Exhale, then
inhale and bring your hips off the floor, supporting your back with your
hands.

2.
Without bending your knees, stretch out your legs by bringing them
behind your head, until your toes touch the floor. Your arms should stay
forward, with the palms of your hands pressed to the floor. Stay in this
position breathing slowly and deeply. Next, inhale through your nose and
slowly lower your legs while you exhale. Concentrate on how each segment
of your backbone presses against the floor as you come down.

GENTLE EXERCISE

Yoga is a discipline designed to improve your flexibility and your
mental and emotional harmony. The exercises use gentle movements without
straining the body. When practicing the
asanas
remember not to strain yourself. There is no need to push yourself too
far. Remember to use gentle movements and don't push your body
into a pose. Through time and willpower, you will improve your physical
health naturally and get in tune with your body and mind. It is
important to remember to use your body with moderation, patience and
consistency to prevent side effects like sore muscles or tiredness.

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